3 Panthers players aiming to move up record books vs. Chargers

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

Shaq Thompson hasn’t enjoyed the best of starts to the 2020 season. He was looking to step up and fill the void left by linebacker Luke Kuechly at the second level, with the player also aiming to become a defensive leader after a number of prominent veteran departures.

His production on the field has left a lot to be desired. Thompson has looked sluggish in run support and offered little either rushing the passer or from a coverage perspective.

Things might improve as the season goes on. Not having a preseason has the potential to affect certain players more than most. But it is hard to deny that Thompson needs to raise his standard of play considerably to make the sort of impact he was hoping prior to the campaign.

That being said, the former first-round pick has the chance to earn himself a notable milestone with just four tackles at the Chargers on Sunday. This would take him past Richard Marshall for No. 10 on the Panthers’ all-time list, which could be an indirect boost to his confidence that might just turnaround his season.

Thompson faces some stern opposition in the form of running back duo Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley this weekend. There is also the potential of him lining up against tight end Hunter Henry in coverage, which doesn’t seem like the best matchup for the linebacker given his current form.